Desjardins launches $150 million community recovery fund
Why It Matters
Grantmakers across Canada are launching emergency relief funds in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic’s unprecedented challenges, but few are aimed at funding long-term community recovery. Desjardins’ GoodSpark Fund is intended to do just that.
Montreal-based financial services cooperative Desjardins has launched a $150 million fund to support educational, environmental, and employment initiatives in Ontario communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Desjardins’ GoodSpark Fund is aimed at supporting both grassroots volunteer organizations and established non-profits alike, focusing on causes ranging from early childhood development to entrepreneurial development to the environment. Youth-focused projects are a major priority. But regardless of a particular project’s scope, Desjardins is looking for those that support the long-term socio-economic recovery for Ontario’s communities — and they’re looking to approve them quickly.
“Community initiatives are often the best plan of action against difficult situations like the COVID-19 crisis,” wrote Guy Cormier, Desjardins Group CEO and president,
Join a community of 2000+ impact-oriented professionals like you. Get full access to this story and all Future of Good content, including tickets to our digital events and networking, with a membership.
Already have an account? Sign in.